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News Release

Cherriots Announces Local And Regional Farebox Upgrades Starting In June (Photo) - 05/18/26

Phased rollout begins June 2; riders will see improved reliability and boarding efficiency

 

SALEM, OR – (May 18, 2026) —  Cherriots is announcing an upcoming upgrade to fare collection technology across its fleet. Beginning June 2, 2026, new fareboxes will be installed on all Cherriots Local and Cherriots Regional buses to improve system reliability and to streamline the boarding process. 

 

These upgrades represent a significant step forward in modernizing Cherriots transit infrastructure. The new fareboxes are designed to create a more efficient boarding experience, helping our buses stay on schedule and enhancing overall service quality. 

 

"We are committed to investing in technology that makes riding public transit easier and more dependable," said Board President, Maria Hinojos Pressey. "These new fareboxes are a foundational step toward a more seamless future for our passengers."

 

What This Means for Riders

  • New Look: Riders will notice updated fareboxes on buses as installation progresses. 

  • Cash Payments: Riders can continue to pay with cash; exact change is still required, as operators do not provide change. 

  • Day Passes: Customers purchasing day passes on the bus will receive a paper pass with a QR code designed for the new system. Those purchasing at Customer Service will receive a Umo QR token for the Umo reader.

  • 30-Day Passes: We are transitioning away from magnetic stripe (magstripe) passes. Riders are encouraged to bring their existing magstripe passes to the Customer Service Lobby at the Downtown Transit Center (220 High St. NE, Salem, OR 97301) to transition them to the Umo electronic fare system.

  • Promotion: To support this transition, Cherriots is waiving the $3 fee for new Umo tap cards from June 1, 2026 to August 31, 2026. 

For more information, visit Cherriots.org/fares or contact our Customer Service team at (503) 588-2877. 

 

About Cherriots

Established in 1979, Salem Area Mass Transit District (SAMTD) is a special District covering 78 square miles in the Mid-Willamette Valley between Portland and Eugene. Locally known as Cherriots, the District provides vital service to more than 450,000 residents in Marion and Polk counties. SAMTD maintains a total of 124 transit vehicles across its various services and provides approximately 3.3 million passenger trips annually.

For more information, visit Cherriots.org.

Attached Media Files: A diagram illustrating the updated features of the new fareboxes, and the transition from swiping magnetic stripes to scanning QR codes for more efficient boarding,

Cherriots Announces Local And Regional Farebox Upgrades Starting In June (Photo) - 05/18/26

Phased rollout begins June 2; riders will see improved reliability and boarding efficiency

 

SALEM, OR – (May 18, 2026) —  Cherriots is announcing an upcoming upgrade to fare collection technology across its fleet. Beginning June 2, 2026, new fareboxes will be installed on all Cherriots Local and Cherriots Regional buses to improve system reliability and to streamline the boarding process. 

 

These upgrades represent a significant step forward in modernizing Cherriots transit infrastructure. The new fareboxes are designed to create a more efficient boarding experience, helping our buses stay on schedule and enhancing overall service quality. 

 

"We are committed to investing in technology that makes riding public transit easier and more dependable," said Board President, Maria Hinojos Pressey. "These new fareboxes are a foundational step toward a more seamless future for our passengers."

 

What This Means for Riders

  • New Look: Riders will notice updated fareboxes on buses as installation progresses. 

  • Cash Payments: Riders can continue to pay with cash; exact change is still required, as operators do not provide change. 

  • Day Passes: Customers purchasing day passes on the bus will receive a paper pass with a QR code designed for the new system. Those purchasing at Customer Service will receive a Umo QR token for the Umo reader.

  • 30-Day Passes: We are transitioning away from magnetic stripe (magstripe) passes. Riders are encouraged to bring their existing magstripe passes to the Customer Service Lobby at the Downtown Transit Center (220 High St. NE, Salem, OR 97301) to transition them to the Umo electronic fare system.

  • Promotion: To support this transition, Cherriots is waiving the $3 fee for new Umo tap cards from June 1, 2026 to August 31, 2026. 

For more information, visit Cherriots.org/fares or contact our Customer Service team at (503) 588-2877. 

 

About Cherriots

Established in 1979, Salem Area Mass Transit District (SAMTD) is a special District covering 78 square miles in the Mid-Willamette Valley between Portland and Eugene. Locally known as Cherriots, the District provides vital service to more than 450,000 residents in Marion and Polk counties. SAMTD maintains a total of 124 transit vehicles across its various services and provides approximately 3.3 million passenger trips annually.

For more information, visit Cherriots.org.

Attached Media Files: A diagram illustrating the updated features of the new fareboxes, and the transition from swiping magnetic stripes to scanning QR codes for more efficient boarding,